However, there is one thing I need to say, and that I need all of you to know, before I move on. Nobody lives their life in a vacuum, and there have been many people who have helped me to arrive at the point where I am now, who have helped me to learn all that I have about life, optimism, and possibility–who have helped me to learn everything that I have shared with you.

So, before we move forward–and I have a great deal to share with you, about paring down to what fits in a motor home, about the wonderful simple house I stayed in on my last trip to Houston, about the trip we’re making next week–I would like to thank everyone who helped me through the dark winter. And I want to do it publicly, so that everyone can know.

So, thank you….

To the couple we met in Florida (who would prefer to remain anonymous): For introducing us to minimalism and the general questioning of all we’ve been told is true. And for inspiring me to stop using Facebook and correspond with people through e-mail instead.

To Tony: For showing me that even the “craziest” dream is possible, and for encouraging me with my writing.

To Dan: For showing me that close friendships don’t necessarily require having met in person, and for helping me to discover the amazing strength that we all have within us.

To Lois: For showing me that there is a light at the end of every tunnel, and for helping me to see that, in life, there are no accidents.

To Sandy: For sharing in my struggles and allowing me to share in yours–I can’t wait to finally meet you in person, after we move!

To Jamie: For allowing me to share in your dreams, which only heightened my conviction in my own.

To Julia: For sharing in my passion for sailing, and for inspiring me by sharing your dreams.

To Michelle: For helping me to see the good in everyone, and for helping to once again discover my passion for what I do.

To Jocelyn: For being there, through the dark times and the light times, over the past 6 months, and for understanding why we need to make this next move.

To my students: For reminding me of the reason that I do what I do each day.

To Rob: For your love and patience, with your wife who has been a completely different person from one day to the next.

To Chris and Kelly: For opening the door, and for opening their home to us during our many trips to Houston.

To Our Parents: For understanding why we have to leave, and for helping us with the move.

To Jelly Bean: For just being awesome!

All right. Now it’s time to move forward. Tomorrow, I will show you pictures from my trip to Houston!